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Mining group cries foul in review of Xcel gas plan

DENVER — A Colorado coal-industry group has asked two public utilities commissioners to recuse themselves from considering a plan by Xcel Energy to switch some power plants to run on natural gas instead of coal.

A new state law required Xcel Energy to file a plan to cut emissions. The three-member Colorado Public Utilities Commission must approve, deny or modify that plan by Dec. 15.

The Colorado Mining Association said in a filing with the commission that PUC Chairman Ronald Binz and Commissioner Matt Baker were involved in negotiations with Xcel on the new law and can’t be considered impartial as they review Xcel’s plan.

A commission spokesman said today the commissioners wouldn’t comment before reviewing the association’s request.